Getting it wrong

Sometimes we get it wrong. I got it wrong yesterday evening in this post about Tom Daley. With some attempt at humour, I sought to explore the mood of many regarding the ‘is he/isn’t he’ question regarding Tom Daley’s sexuality. I aimed to point out that it is our very speculation (which of course, I was part of) which makes any exploration of a sexuality other than the normative, near impossible for Daley. Thus, if he is gay – my reasoning followed – we’d probably never know. Indeed, we would never know what ‘label’ he ascribes to his sexuality or how he defines himself. I do think it’s important how we define our sexuality. Anybody who has ever thought “it’s only me’ needs no further exploration. Whilst I think that ‘gay’ and ‘straight’ are over simplistic labels, I do think open – and public – discussions about our sexuality are important for freedom of sexuality to prevail.

My post received some nice comments, but it also received some very negative comments. People whose opinion I value found the post ill-judged and offensive. When certain people say that, it’s right to pause and reflect.

I hope, as I’ve explained above, my intention is clear in that I did not set out to offend. Nonetheless, I deeply regret any offence caused. I’ve reflected on the post over-night and whilst I still think I had a sound reason to post, that rationale did not clearly come across.

Sometimes we get it wrong. I hope that by holding our hands up and admitting when we – when I – get it wrong, it makes me a better blogger in the long run.